The compliance and white-collar crime group at CMS Rodríguez-Azuero scores highly for its work on the ‘development, implementation, and improvement of governance structures’. Equipped to handle a myriad of compliance matters, transactional support issues and criminal law proceedings, the team is primarily active in advising on the implementation of Colombian anti-corruption policies, including SAGRILAFT (System of Self-Control and Management of the Comprehensive Risk of Money Laundering, Financing of Terrorism, and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction) and PTEE (Transparency and Business Ethics Programme). Daniel Rodríguez is qualified in Colombia, New York and California and ’brings a global perspective’ to his practice; he co-heads the department alongside Jacques Simhon, who specialises in corporate and personal criminal liability. Key associates include seniors Santiago Calle (white-collar crime) and María Paula Sandoval (administrative law). Former senior María José Correa left to go freelance in June 2024, while criminal law-focused counsel Ligia María Vargas Mendoza joined from the Attorney General’s Office. Since publication, Simhon, Calle and Vargas Mendoza have left the firm to establish their own firm - effective as of May 2026.
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Daniel is a Partner of the Firm and co-leads the areas of Banking & Finance, Insolvency, Restructuring & Liquidation, Compliance and Corporate Criminal Law and Energy & Climate Change. He also leads the Public Procurement practice.
Position
Partner
Career
Daniel Rodríguez is a Partner and co-head of the Banking & Finance, Insolvency, Restructuring & Liquidation, Compliance and Corporate Criminal Law, and Energy & Climate Change practices. He also leads the Public Procurement practice. He is admitted to practice in Colombia, as well as in New York and California.
He has over 25 years of experience advising sponsors, financial institutions and multilaterals, as well as infrastructure and construction companies, EPC contractors, investors, guarantors and borrowers on complex infrastructure transactions and project finance matters.
Daniel has extensive expertise in navigating the social, environmental and land acquisition challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. His practice also includes advising on the structuring, design and implementation of projects in the oil and gas, mining, power and renewable energy sectors, acting for both government entities and private companies.
In addition, he is regularly involved in high-profile local and cross-border white-collar investigations and disputes. He also advises debtors and creditors on complex insolvency and restructuring processes, both in Colombia and internationally.
Languages
English and Spanish
Memberships
- Member of New York Bar Association;
- Member of California Bar Association;
- Member of American Bar Association;
- Member of Colombian Bar Association;
- Vice-Chair of the ICC Global Commission on Anti-corruption and Corporate Responsibility in Paris;
- Is the President of the ICC Commission on Anti-corruption and Corporate Responsibility in Colombia;
- Member of the Colombian Chapter Commission on Commercial Practices of the International Chamber of Commerce -ICC-.
- Member of the Colombian Chapter Commission on Banking Practices of the International Chamber of Commerce -ICC-.
- Member of the “A” list of arbitrators of the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá.
- Was a member of the Panel of Experts summoned by the Presidency of the Republic of Colombian to report to the Organization of American States -OAS- commission on the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC);
- Was a member of the Panel on “perspective of Colombian lawyers and academics” summoned by the Colombian National Government to respond to the OECD evaluation committee to verify compliance with the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions;
- Former President of the Security and Risk Management Committee of the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce -AMCHAM-;
- Is a member of Colombian Chapter of the World Compliance Association (WCA).
Education
- 2007. LL.M., Master in Corporate and Business Law (Dean's Merit Grant) - University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- 2003. Specialist on Commercial Law - Universidad de los Andes. Bogotá, Colombia.
- 2001. Lawyer - Universidad Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Bogotá, Colombia.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We highlight the firm for its hands-on experience with multinational companies, communication skills, storytelling, and a diverse and collaborative team. Daniel Rodriguez brings exceptional human warmth, broad and deep knowledge of his practice area, and is always available and attentive.’
‘What distinguishes this practice is its ability to communicate complex concepts in a simple, clear, and innovative way. It goes beyond offering technical advice to translate legal information into understandable and practical terms for different audiences, facilitating decision-making.’
Key clients
- Investors - Victims of Felipe Rocha
- Gran Estación Propiedad Horizontal
Work highlights
Represented victims of the Arena Bogotá Project on criminal legal actions against the construction company.